He has played the love interest of both Natalie Wood and her sister Lana Wood in 2 separate films: Tony opposite Natalie's Maria in West Side Story (1961), and Dean opposite Lana's Karen in Scream Free! (1969) (aka Free Grass).
Richard Beymer is an American actor, director, producer, and political activist. He is best known for his roles in West Side Story, The Longest Day, and Twin Peaks.
Beymer was born on February 20, 1939 in Avoca, Iowa, the son of Ethel Mae (née Wollenweber) and George Richard Beymer Sr. His father was a newspaper editor and publisher, and his mother was a homemaker. He has two sisters, Barbara and Nancy. He was raised in a Methodist family.
Beymer began his acting career as a child, appearing in regional theater productions. He made his film debut in the 1956 film Friendly Persuasion. He rose to prominence for his role as Tony in the 1961 film West Side Story. He also appeared in the 1962 film The Longest Day and the 1966 film The Sand Pebbles.
In the 1980s, Beymer appeared in the television series Twin Peaks as Ben Horne. He also directed the 1992 film My Own Private Idaho.
Beymer has been active in politics and social causes. He was a member of the California delegation to the 1984 Democratic National Convention. He has also been involved in environmental causes.
Beymer has been married twice. His first wife was Sharon Tate, with whom he had one daughter, Debra. His second wife is Gloria Marie Steinem, with whom he has one son, Matthew.
Beymer has a net worth of $5 million.
General Info
Full Name
Richard Beymer
Height
1.88 m
Profession
Actor, Cinematographer, Novelist, Sculptor, Visual Artist
Education
North Hollywood High School
Nationality
American
Family
Parents
George Richard Beymer, Eunice Beymer
Accomplishments
Awards
Golden Globe Award for Best New Star of the Year – Actor
Nominations
Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy
Movies
West Side Story, The Longest Day, The Diary of Anne Frank, Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man, Johnny Tremain, Terminal Station, My Girl 2, Bachelor Flat, Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out!, The Stripper, High Time, Foxfire, Danger Island, A Face to Die For, Five Finger Exercise, So ...
[on his attitude towards Natalie Wood on the set of West Side Story (1961) and at a later date]: "I think there was a residue of animosity toward Natalie because of that test for Rebel [Without a Cause], and it contributed to our situation. But a few years later we caught sight of each other at a nightclub on Sunset Strip. Natalie waved, came over to my table, and we talked for a few moments. She was incredibly sweet, left me thinking what a lovely person she was, and I felt genuinely attracted to her."
2
[on seeing West Side Story (1961) for the first time]: "I was sort of caught up in my own web of illusion."
Facts
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Fact
1
In 1964, Beymer traveled to Mississippi to volunteer in the civil rights movement (that summer was later dubbed "Freedom Summer"). Beymer took a Bolex camera with him; he later edited his footage into a documentary titled "A Regular Bouquet: Mississippi Summer." Beymer's footage has also been edited into many other documentaries on the civil rights era, including Eyes on the Prize and Freedom Summer.
He hated his performance in West Side Story (1961) and left the London premiere half way through the film's screening, before he could be presented to Queen Elizabeth II.
5
While in Italy filming Barabbas (1961) in 1961, Richard Beymer became captivated by a beautiful high school girl who had been doing extra work in the movie. The following year when he was back in California and the girl too had moved back to the United States, the two renewed communication and he encouraged her to pursue a career in film, which she did. They saw quite a lot of each other for over a year, and remained on friendly terms thereafter. The girl's name was Sharon Tate.
6
He has played the love interest of both Natalie Wood and her sister Lana Wood in 2 separate films: Tony opposite Natalie's Maria in West Side Story (1961), and Dean opposite Lana's Karen in Scream Free! (1969) (aka Free Grass).
7
February 1977 - One time roommate of Andy Kaufman, he originated on stage at the Improv at 2:30 am the "has-been corner" bit Kaufman used in his TV specials.
8
Is probably best remembered for playing Tony in West Side Story (1961).
